Fudenas, the mountain bike marathon on Fuerteventura
Mountain Bike Marathon
Hello dear readers and cycling friends, we at FastMotion are not just a bike rental shop or station. We work on what we offer every single day, supplying hotels in Costa Calma, Gran Tarajal, and Jandia with top-notch bikes from Ghost and Bulls. We have road bikes, mountain bikes, and fatbikes on offer—check them out at WWW.FASTMOTION.BIKE. On top of that, we have everything you need for the ultimate cycling vacation: water bottles, mineral salts, cycling wear, and nutrition like gels and energy bars, etc.! Everything you need to conquer the island's mountains and trails.
Today, I'd like to share a few words about the now-famous mountain bike marathon right here on Fuerteventura. Fudenas (FUerteventuraDENorteAlSur) kicks off in Corralejo and wraps up in Jandia. The marathon covers a total distance of 150 kilometers, straight across the entire island. The elevation profile is flat to rolling until kilometer 110, but then it gets jagged—that’s where the toughest part of the race begins. Fudenas is organized by the island's own Soria 9 regiment. The race is run like a large-scale military exercise, meaning pure manpower: at least two soldiers in full combat gear are stationed at every single turn, there are aid stations every 20 kilometers stacked with plenty of drinks and fruit, and every 40 kilometers you'll find technical support plus a spot to get a massage. On top of that, countless military vehicles line the route and two helicopters patrol from above. They say Fudenas is the best-organized amateur bike race in the world. Fudenas is split into two categories: the single-day Race and the 2-Stage version. In the Race category, you tackle the entire distance in one day—it's super tough and strictly meant for well-trained riders. Because of strict cutoff times, it's not unusual for only 400 out of 1,000 starters to make it across the finish line. Some underestimate the challenge, many go out way too fast, others don't drink or eat enough, and the rest just can't handle the climate. It's a brutal 150 kilometers, and past kilometer 110 it gets seriously steep with an elevation profile like a saw blade. If you've already burned through all your fuel by then, you won't make it to the finish in Jandia!
Fudenas, the mountain bike marathon on Fuerteventura
The 2-Stage version is much more relaxed. The pace is different, focusing far more on enjoying an exciting, scenic tour with friends and like-minded riders. You'll spend the night in a military camp with all the works: tent bivouac, military band, field kitchen, and more.
Whichever option you decide to tackle, you'll need stamina and solid training. Bring those along, and this mountain bike adventure will be truly unforgettable. Fudenas always takes place at the end of October. You can register on their website starting in June.
register here, but you’ve got to be fast—the 3,000 spots usually sell out in just a few days.
Check out a few impressions here:
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